ADHD Medication - Finding the Right One
Finding the best ADHD medication takes many trials and error. Many factors influence effectiveness, including the individual's metabolism, the effects of the drug and how a drug interacts with other medications and supplements.
It can take some time for stimulants' effects to be felt but they do improve focus, attention, and impulsivity. They also boost levels of brain chemicals like dopamine and epinephrine.
Stimulants
Stimulants are also referred to as uppers. They enhance body's functions and make you feel more alert. Examples of stimulants include caffeine, a drug commonly used to keep people alert and awake, and prescription drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Vyvanse), and Lisdexafetamine (Vyvanse). They may also be illegal substances like crystal meth, cocaine, and bath salts (synthetic cathinones) which are frequently abused by young people for their stimulating effects. If taken by a physician as prescribed, these drugs have been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms and improve the functioning of people suffering from the disorder.
If used properly when used correctly, prescription stimulants are generally safe. However, they may cause side effects like insomnia, nervousness and headaches as well as stomach upsets, tremors and shakiness or agitation, rapid pulse, confusion, and tremors. There is also a substantial risk of addiction and abuse. If taken in higher-than-prescribed doses or by people who don't have ADHD, they can lead to overdose and death.
Since more than 30 year, methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine and other prescription stimulants have been available in the form of liquids, pills, chewable tablets and skin patches. The medications, also referred to as Adderall and Ritalin by their brand names, function by increasing the dopamine and norepinephrine levels of the brain. They can help improve focus, behavior and self-control. These medications are available in immediate-release and extended release forms.
medication for adhd and anxiety as well as atomoxetine both under the brand name Qelbree are stimulant drugs that are available over-the-counter. These are part of a class known as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and inhibit the action of norepinephrine within the brain. They don't aid in reducing the symptoms of ADHD, but they can be helpful in conjunction with other treatments like nonstimulant medication and behavioral therapy.
Nonstimulant medicines
There are a variety of non-stimulant medications that have been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. They are generally easier to take than stimulant drugs and have less side consequences. They may not be like stimulants and may take a few weeks to begin working. They also have a lower risk of addiction than stimulant medicines and some doctors suggest these for adults as a first choice for treatment.
Medications that are not classified as stimulants include Clonidine (brand name Zanex) and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists such as Guanfacine (brand name Tenex). These drugs are typically prescribed "off-label" which means that the FDA has not approved them to treat ADHD. However they can be beneficial in reducing ADHD symptoms through acting as a sedative, and slowing down the activity of certain nerve cells in the brain.
Behavioral education and other behavioral therapy are also important elements of treatment for ADHD. Adults and children suffering from ADHD can benefit from behavioral therapy to develop new strategies for managing their symptoms, develop social skills, and develop strategies for managing anger and conflict. These methods are particularly effective for younger children and those with milder symptoms. However, they aren't always effective for older adults and children with more severe ADHD symptoms.